OT- Vacation destination suggestions (not WDW)

[Jen76b]

Myself, DH and DS7 are looking to go somewhere for a week at the end of July. We're already going to WDW in June, but looking for something else to do in July. We live near Dallas (North Texas) and looking for somewhere to drive, less than 18 hours. We've driven to Florida, which wasn't too bad, but looking for something else. My DH will tolerate the beach for 1 day, but not the whole week. We're not the camping type. We're thinking Chicago or Atlanta. I would love to go to California, but a little too far for just a week. Any suggestions?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

How about NY? I'm not sure how long the drive is though.

 

[DVC Sadie]

What about Lake Tahoe, Branson or Hot Springs, Arkansas just to throw out a few ideas.

 

[gris gris]

I'm dying to go to Gulf Shores, AL. Not sure how far that is from you, but also since it's a beach, your DH probably won't want to go.

 

[hepcat620]

Williamsburg VA makes a great vacation that also doesn't break the bank. We went there last year for 6 days. Great history - colonial williamsburg, jamestown and yorktown. Nice shopping - my wife liked the 2 Christmas shops. And of course, Busch Gardens (its no WDW, but its nice).

 

[gianna2006]

I second Virginia!!! It's the next best thing to WDW (IMHO). You can get a three day combo pass from AAA to Busch Gardens/Water Country USA. You said DH will tolerate beach for one day (can you push him for two...maybe one at the start of the week and one at the end?). There is a really nice marine aquarium very close to Va Beach and a huge go-kart/mini-golf/waterpark place very close to Va Beach as well (Motor World?). Lots of fun, great for the kids, lots of restaurants and not too expensive. Not sure about length of the drive from TX, though.

 

[Jen76b]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'm going to look into Virginia. It's about 20 hours away, but that's only 2 hours more than Orlando, so I think we can do that. We have family in Atlanta, so maybe we can stop there on the way back. Thanks again!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

We've booked a vacation at the YMCA of the Rockies (ymcarockies.org). It sounds like a perfect summer vacation to me. Nice cool mountains -- hiking, horseback riding, they have an indoor pool and an indoor rock climbing center. You can get a whole cabin for the price of a moderate at WDW. To me it sounds like it's all the pluses of camping with beds and indoor plumbing!

I live in DC so Williamsburg is close by to us, but I don't know if I'd do it the same summer as a WDW trip. The historical stuff will be HOT, and I'm not sure how the parks would stack up if you've just been to WDW.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

What about a cruise? Royal Caribbean has some that leave from Galveston. You'll be treated like royalty!!

Isn't planning a trip half the fun! Enjoy whereever you go.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We're driving to California this summer from NW Louisiana. We're going through Santa Fe, Grand Canyon, Vegas among other places. There is tons to do in Santa Fe, I'm still looking for the right place to stay there.

 

[allyn]

i was also going to mention a cruise but i see that hoosier mom beat me to it. we also like royal caribbean and there is plenty to do (from what i've read) for a 7yo. (my only daughter is still only 2.75).

if you can drive to florida you can take one of the larger royal caribbean ships or even disney cruise line (which is more expensive).

but any cruise is a good cruise.

 

[Jen76b]

We're actually going on a Disney cruise in June, so a cruise is out of the question. We're now looking into maybe Denver, Colorado. Stop through Santa Fe on the way back. It's sad to say but my DS and I have never seen a mountain in person. Living in Texas with all this flat land you don't realize how pretty moutains are. I ordered the Colorado visitors guide, so hopefully I'll get some ideas. I have a list of a few things we can do, but have no idea where to stay.. what part of town. I've looked online, but you still can never tell just by descriptions. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Jen

 

[letthewookiewin]

I live in North Texas as well. We use to take family vacations to Estes Park, CO. It is in the northeastern corner of Colorado. It is near Rocky Mountain National Park and is beautiful. The hotel where Steven King wrote “The Shinning” is there. You can see the hotel at www.stanleyhotel.com. It’s not a bad drive and between here and there, there is a lot to see. There are a lot of great hiking trails inside Rocky Mountain National Park. I can’t wait to take my kids, but we’re going to WDW this year with them.

 

[Hoosier Mom]

Breckenridge is really pretty. Cute shopping village. And it boasts of the longest green run for skiing. At least I think it's green. Whatever the easiest run color is. I took one day of sky school there. Very fun!

 

[clonetothebone]

Black Hills Region of South Dakota. It's beutiful, plenty of things to do and during the summer it's not hot!